Abstract: A recoil damper (10) for a reciprocating member (12) mounted in a housing (24) includes a annular ring (38,138) mounted adjacent a shoulder (28) formed on the reciprocation member, the annular ring (38,138) mounted in a viscous fluid interior of the housing. The annular ring (38,138) cooperates with the shoulder (28) of the reciprocating member (12) to allow a relatively free flow of the viscous fluid around the shoulder (28) upon motion of the reciprocating member (12) in one direction and to restrict flow of the viscous fluid around the shoulder (28) upon motion of the reciprocating member (12) in the other opposite direction.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor (10/110) or a centripetal turbine (76) having coaxially aligned, relatively rotatable rotors (12,112,212/14,114,214) mounting a plurality of blades (30,32,34,36,38/130/230) having variable radial extension from a central axis (15). The blades closer to the center of rotation of the rotors are operated at high speeds so to maximize their gas treating effect while rotating the larger diameter blades (40,42,44/132,232) at lower speeds commensurate with their stress capabilities.

Abstract: Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with a linkage arrangement on one end that is utilized to manipulate a work implement, such as a loader bucket. The linkage typically includes a tilting arrangment for the bucket that incorporates a tilt lever that is mounted to a lift arm that supports the bucket. The mounting between the tilt lever and the lift arm is normally of a complex nature requiring multiple bearing surfaces and lubrication means. Others may have a structure that requires exact positioning between the relative components or a failure will occur due to improper loading. The linkage arrangement of the present invention provides a mounting member that is attached to only one of the tilt levers. It also includes an axial motion limiter that is attached to the other tilt lever. In doing so, a very simple and economical mounting device is provided. The mounting device also allows the tilt levers to rotate with respect to each other so that each of the levers function to bear a portion of the loading.

Abstract: A fuel injection solenoid driver circuit controllably connects and disconnects a solenoid coil to and from a storage capacitor to effect operation of the coil. Precise control of the timing and duration of coil is necessary to ensure that a proper quantity of fuel is delivered to each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. A means monitors the voltage level of the storage capacitor and periodically delivers a high voltage inductive spike to the capacitor to maintain the capacitor voltage level within prescribed limitations. Further, a means aids in charging the capacitor by discharging the solenoid coil to the capacitor in response to the coil and capacitor being disconnected. Use of the energy stored in the coil to recharge the capacitor increases the power efficiency of the circuit and also results in a fast decay of the solenoid voltage. The fast decay time minimizes variations in solenoid operation timing and duration and precisely controls the quantity of fuel delivered.

Abstract: A track assembly (11,11a) for a track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of wide low ground pressure track shoes (16) pivotally interconnected by a link assembly (17), disposed intermediate the widths of the track shoes (16). At least one chain (20) further interconnects the track shoes (16) and is disposed on an outboard end thereof. The chain (20) resists torsional loads imposed on the track assembly (11) which would otherwise cause damage to component parts thereof.

Abstract: A corner tooth is useful, for example, on construction equipment buckets to protect the sidewalls from abrasive wear which normally results from continued contact with the ground. In order to protect the sidewall, others use elements secured directly to the sidewall or various forms of specialized teeth mounted on the corner. Many of these specialized teeth inhibit the tooth's ability to penetrate the ground. The present corner tooth provides the protection for the sidewall while still maintaining good strength and penetration. This is due to a single flat member being oriented vertically with respect to the normal working position of the tooth and a single reinforcement rib extending perpendicular to the flat member. Furthermore, since the tooth is symmetrical about the second plane and the rib is located along the second plane the tooth can be used on either corner. This eliminates the need to manufacture and stock an extra part of a different design.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably delivering power from a device to a workpiece is useful, for example, in performing qualitative material tests on various materials. In the instant apparatus, a sonic generator means controllably supplies sonic power to a workpiece, causing the surface of the workpiece to erode. A sensing means produces an actual power signal having a magnitude responsive to the power consumed by the sonic generator means. A settable means produces a desired power signal, and a control means compares the desired and actual power signals and supplies motor control signals in response to the respective magnitudes of the power signals and to a tracking time interval signal. In response to termination of the tracking time signal, the control means blocks the motor control signals. A motor means controllably moves the sonic generator means relative to the workpiece in response to receiving the motor control signals.

Abstract: Prepackaging the various components of an engine cylinder assembly as an exchange or overhaul kit is useful in servicing or overhauling a single cylinder of a multiple cylinder engine. The heretofore known devices for holding the components of the engine cylinder assembly together were primarily used with small engines where the weight of the components was sufficiently low so as to not cause any handling difficulties. The subject apparatus includes a pair of brackets which positively grippingly engage the flange of the cylinder liner and a lifting element which is releasably attached to the piston with bolts threaded into threaded holes in the piston such that a portion of the brackets is sandwiched between the lifting element and the piston. The apparatus is positively engaged with the components of the engine cylinder assembly and positively maintains the components in fixed relationship with one another.

Abstract: A track joint is provided with a controlled running clearance by means of a controlled interstice producing membrane placed between the opposing axial thrust surfaces of the joint. The membrane is of a substance which sacrifically self-destructs upon the initial pivotal movements of the joint. The purpose of the membrane is to relieve the joint of compressive loads which become locked in the joint during its assembly and can cause galling of the thrust surfaces and injury to track seals in the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a welding torch along a weld groove has a visual sensing system for detecting the weld groove cross sectional configuration and relative position of the edges of weld groove. The positional and cross sectional information is assimilated under microprocessor control to actively guide the welding torch through the control of a series of servo motors and adaptively position the welding electrode at an optimal preselected location with the weld groove.

Abstract: In the operator's station of a vehicle, it has been common practice to mount the steering wheel and the control levers needed to manipulate the vehicle on an adjustable control console. The control console may then be moved fore and aft to accommodate the individual operators that may operate the vehicle to enhance their comfort. Mechanical latching mechanisms have been used that provide only a selected number of positions to which the control console may be placed, and are often rather cumbersome. Hydraulic cylinders have also been incorporated into an adjustable control console design to provide an unlimited number of positions that the control console may assume. These designs, however, are quite complex, involving a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and extensive valving componentry. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an actuating mechanism that is positioned about one of the pivot shafts that is utilized in the pivotal mounting of the control console to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A flexible positioner is provided for moving and positioning an object relative to a base member. In large industrial and vehicular engines limited access openings are provided in the cylinder block to perform internal repairs and inspection such as for the half shelled bearings of a bearing cap. The partial removal of a heavy bearing cap through a limited access opening presents an assembly and disassembly problem. The problem is further compounded when the bearing cap mounting bolts are disposed at opposite oblique angle relative to the vertical centerline of engine or when the mounting bolts are parallel but an obstruction hinders assembly and disassembly. The subject flexible positioner is adapted to temporarily replace the bearing cap bolts and includes an elongate member having an intermediate flexible portion connected between first and second end portions.

Abstract: To service an engine, it is frequently determined that a cylinder liner and piston must be replaced. Removal is difficult and time consuming if the piston is first removed through the liner and the liner is then grasped from below and pulled from the block. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of the liner and expanding the tool into a frictional fit against the liner. A force is applied on the tool to forcibly move the liner. The piston and associated rings and rod are held in place in the liner by a partial vacuum for removal with the liner as a complete unit.

Abstract: Heat recovery systems are useful, for example, in vehicles that generate large amounts of heat energy during operation. The heat energy is used to drive a turbine that produces useful work. In order to fully utilize the great majority of the heat energy produced, the engine exhaust is used to convert a fluid to a gas and superheat the gas to a preselected temperature at a preselected pressure. If the fluid entering the heat exchanger in the exhaust system is to cool, soot collects on the heat exchanger thus greatly reducing system efficiency. Also various oxides precipitate out of the exhaust and chemical attack the elements in the exhaust system. The present heat recovery system utilizes the heat energy from the oil cooling system to preheat all of the fluid before it reaches the exhaust system. Furthermore, the heat energy from the jacket water of the engine is used to convert a portion of the preheated fluid to a gas.

Abstract: Hydraulic motors are conventionally employed in rotating the upper structure of excavators and the like. Protection from inertia induced hydraulic shock loads of some hydraulic control circuits involves the use of a separate bypass valve which continuously interconnects the motor conduits. The subject control circuit includes a pair of shunt valves each of which establishes restricted communication between the first and second motor conduits in a particular direction at their normal spring biased position. This allows limited free swing of the upper structure when the directional control valve is shifted from an operating position to the neutral position. However, shifting the directional control valve to an operating position causes the appropriate one of the shunt valves to shift to a blocking position so that no interconnection between the motor conduits exist.

Abstract: Fluid systems having modulating pressure relief valves are normally needed in systems having clutches that require smooth engagement. It is also desired in many systems to maintain a difference in pressure levels between the fluid in different clutches, such as, speed and directional clutches during initial engagement in order to ensure that only one of the clutches absorbs the initial load. In order to reduce power losses and improve system efficiency, it is desirable to reduce the pressure level of the higher clutch once the clutches are fully engaged. The present modulating pressure relief valve assembly provides a valve device that is effective to limit the maximum pressure in the system and change the pressure difference between the clutches upon full engagement thereof. The valve device is located in a single bore thus reducing total valve size and manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Engine barring devices are connected to engines. Known barring devices have been used to rotate crankshafts of engines and adding features to these known devices increases the complexity and cost of such devices. The subject barring device includes a shaft adapted for both axial and rotational movement. A gear is attached to one end of the shaft and is moved axially in a first direction to a first position where a holding device holds the shaft in the first position. In the first position the gear is engaged driving with a flywheel connected to the crankshaft of the engine. A tool engaging portion located on the shaft is adapted to engage with a turning tool. With the shaft in the first position, the turning tool can be used to rotate the crankshaft of the engine. A locking device is included to hold the crankshaft in one of the plurality of rotational positions.

Abstract: In the operator's station of a vehicle, it has been common practice to mount the steering wheel and the control levers needed to manipulate the vehicle on an adjustable control console. The control console may then be moved fore and aft to accommodate the individual operators that may operate the vehicle to enhance their comfort. Mechanical latching mechanisms have been used that provide only a selected number of positions to which the control console may be place, and are often rather cumbersome. Hydraulic cylinders have also been incorporated into an adjustable control console design to provide an unlimited number of positions that the control console may assume. These designs, however, are quite complex, involving a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and extensive valving componentry. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an actuating means that is positioned about one of the pivot shafts that is utilized in the pivotal mounting of the control console to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle transfer gear and drive line brake mechanism (16) includes a depending gear transfer train (22) having a rotatable shaft (36) and an output gear (28) connected to the shaft (36). A drive line brake assembly (40) is operatively associated with the shaft (36) on a lower axis (30) and a housing (58,118,120) is provided for defining an enclosed compartment (116) for containing them and a common lubricating fluid. A baffle element (186) divides the enclosed compartment (116) into a brake chamber (126) containing the brake assembly (40) and a separate sump chamber (126) and directs fluid away from the brake chamber (126) to the sump chamber (126) in response to rotation of the shaft (36) in order to reduce fluid drag losses.

Abstract: Spring-applied, pressure-released brakes are useful, for example, in construction vehicles or other vehicles that require an automatic braking in the event of an engine failure. In order to tow the vehicle for service, the brakes must be released. Most brake release systems require an alternate pump and associated valves on each vehicle with the fluid from the alternate pump being controlled by the brake valve on the vehicle. The alternate pump on each vehicle add cost to the vehicle and the spool of the brake valve is a known path for fluid leakage thus requiring an alternate pump of a larger capacity than is actually needed. The present brake release mechanism provides an isolating mechanism that is effective to isolate a work port of a brake valve from a valving element in a housing. The isolating mechanism is adapted to connect with an alternate source of pressurized fluid and adapted to direct the pressurized fluid to a brake for release thereof.